How Can Seniors Prevent Dyslipidemia?

By Debbie Waddell, 9:00 am on May 17, 2016

Dyslipidemia involves an abnormal amount of fats in the blood known as lipids. Lifestyle choices, disorders, drugs, or genetics can cause this condition, which can have unhealthy consequences for the elderly. Because maintaining normal lipid levels can help your senior loved one remain healthy, Roseville elder care experts want to share some tips for preventing dyslipidemia.

Aim to Lose One Pound a Week

Staying at a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent high cholesterol and dyslipidemia. For seniors who have been classified as overweight or obese, losing 1 to 2 pounds a week is a reasonable and safe goal. Losing just 10 pounds of fat can reduce your loved one’s LDL (bad cholesterol) levels by around 8 percent.

Stock Up on Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber is an essential part of every senior’s diet. Not only does this carbohydrate promote digestion, it can also keep your loved one’s body from absorbing additional cholesterol. Consuming 5 to 10 grams of fiber per day is generally enough to prevent excess cholesterol from entering the bloodstream. As an added bonus, foods that are high in fiber can also make your loved one feel fuller, which means fewer cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Switch to Olive Oil

When it comes to dyslipidemia and other cholesterol-related diseases, there are few foods as unhealthy as butter. Unfortunately, many seniors have made butter a part of their daily diet for quite a few decades, which can make the transition to healthier substitutes difficult. One healthy way to wean your loved one off of butter is to start using a high-quality olive oil instead. In most recipes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter without changing the flavor of the meal.

Reduce Stress Levels

A 2014 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health found stress levels are closely tied to dyslipidemia. For many seniors, stress can be brought under control with nothing more than a few basic lifestyle changes. This includes social interactions with their peers or a part-time caregiver in Roseville so they can openly discuss their worries and work through complex emotions they may be feeling for the first time.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and low stress levels are crucial for managing many aspects of senior health. To learn more about how these lifestyle changes can keep your loved one healthy, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with physical activity, prepare nutritious meals, provide social stimulation and emotional support, and help with many other important tasks. We also offer specialized Parkinson’s, post-stroke, and dementia care Roseville, Lincoln, and Roseville families trust. For more information on our senior care services and to schedule a no-obligation consultation, call one of our experienced Care Managers at 916.472.0605 today.